1 Albert Street by Ignite Architects

Formerly known as West Plaza, 1 Albert Street is one of Auckland’s most emblematic buildings. Completed in 1972, the building’s striking features once earned it the title of the ‘Crown Jewel of Auckland’.

Ignite was approached to redevelop the podium and lower levels of the building with the aim of bringing it in-line with contemporary workplace requirements. Working alongside the original architect, Neville Price, Ignite stripped back the layers added in the 1980s and 1990s to create a design solution that celebrates the true simplicity of the building.

The first design response relocates the main entrance from Albert Street to Fanshawe Street, establishing a prominent entrance lobby at the lower ground level, which reinstates the continuous podium line of the original design vision.

Retail spaces flank the main lobby to the east and west, enhancing the connection to the street for all building users.

Words by Ignite Architects